Project summary

The Folkestone Performing Arts Centre is a new venue for live music, dance, theatre and community events. It will also be used by the new performing arts college currently being constructed next door. There is currently a lack of small to medium sized venues in the town, and this 200 seat flexible space will be in high demand when it opens in the emerging cultural quarter of the town in May 2008.

The centre’s space will be used by touring professional bands and groups, as well as by performing groups in the town. With its striking design the building will offer a new focal point for Tontine Street, one of the main routes from the harbour to the rest of the town. The centre will also accommodate a range of units for start-up businesses in the creative industries.

Charcoalblue has designed a tension wire grid over the entire room to allow for quick and safe daily turnarounds of programming. The room has been designed primarily for live music and club nights, but with student drama, amateur and community use also very much in mind. Wheelchair access has been provided to all technical levels.